Synonyms of stern

stern 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn 

1

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strict
• harsh
• authoritarian
• tough
• rigid
• rigorous
• severe
• gruff
• relentless
• hard
• merciless
• hardened
• austere
• flinty
• steadfast
• ramrod
• demanding
• heavy-handed
• unbending
• adamant
• implacable
• pitiless
• uncompromising
• stiff
• exacting
• unforgiving
• dour
• unyielding
• unrelenting
• bullying
• callous
• inflexible
• unsparing
• hard-line
• ascetic
• immovable
• determined
• uncharitable
• unflinching
• adamantine
• obstinate
• monkish
• monastic
• ossified
• hard-hearted
• rock-ribbed
• dogged
• firm
• resolved
• intractable
• single-minded
• browbeating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• lenient
• lax
• tolerant
• indulgent
• easy
• forbearing
• mild
• easygoing
• patient
• soft
• kind
• merciful
• charitable
• undemanding
• clement
• accepting
• responsive
• willing
• yielding
• laid-back
• softhearted
• flexible
• compliant
• agreeable
• complaisant
• amenable
• pliant
• acquiescent
• pliable
• compromising

2

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance

a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruff
• fierce
• grim
• intimidating
• rugged
• hostile
• severe
• forbidding
• bleak
• rough
• dour
• stark
• steely
• lowering
• austere
• hardened
• flinty
• ungentle
• stubborn
• solemn
• somber
• cold
• dark
• resolute
• rigid
• black
• steadfast
• stiff
• unflinching
• unbending
• determined
• moody
• adamant
• implacable
• obstinate
• uncompromising
• unsympathetic
• unfriendly
• bound
• unrelenting
• unyielding
• purposeful
• serious
• inhospitable
• firm
• inimical
• obdurate
• willful
• inflexible
• intent
• sullen
• fixed
• resolved
• sulky
• unsmiling
• immovable
• hardheaded
• humorless
• surly
• melancholy
• morose
• unchangeable
• cheerless
• immutable
• gloomy
• joyless
• hard
• melancholic
• mulish
• grave
• brooding
• glum
• staid
• sober
• set
• weighty
• self-willed
• ironhanded
• sobersided

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• mild
• benign
• soft
• tender
• meek
• benignant
• mellow
• quiet
• easy
• bland
• soothing
• sweet
• cheerful
• pleasant
• tranquil
• bright
• agreeable
• pleasing
• nonintimidating
• happy
• inviting
• merry
• glad
• sunny
• playful
• lighthearted
• mirthful
• silly
• goofy
• frivolous
• giddy
• flighty
• scatterbrained
• harebrained
• featherbrained
• light-headed

stern

2 of 2

noun

as in beam

Related Words

• beam
• rear
• haunches
• posterior
• backside
• tail
• cheeks
• butt
• rump
• seat
• behind
• rear end
• tail end
• breech
• bum
• fanny
• caboose
• buttocks
• fundament
• duff
• nates
• booty
• buns
• hams
• tush
• hunkers
• heinie
• bottom
• derriere
• keister
• moon
• can

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stern contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stern are ascetic, austere, and severe. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Where would ascetic be a reasonable alternative to stern?

In some situations, the words ascetic and stern are roughly equivalent. However, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When can austere be used instead of stern?

The meanings of austere and stern largely overlap; however, austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

When is severe a more appropriate choice than stern?

While the synonyms severe and stern are close in meaning, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stern

Adjective

Irving was born in New York City on April 3, 1783, the son of a stern Scottish immigrant who ran a tidy import business selling wine, sugar, and hardware. — Eric Lach, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

Former President Joe Biden turned to then-CIA Director William Burns to relay stern warnings to Russia before and after President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. — Matthew Mulligan, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026

Noun

Bringing up the rear in the four favorites’ rankings, Silent Tactic remains in the same boat as Chip Honcho, but seated a mite further toward the stern. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Hudson went on to speak about the depth of the water in the area where their boat was, saying that towards the stern, the water was about waist-deep, but towards the bow, the water was deeper. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

Phrases Containing stern

• from stem to stern